The distribution of these munitions is not unanimous, as they are criticized by NGOs and banned in many countries, especially in Europe.
“It was a very difficult decision for me.” US President Joe Biden is aware of the criticism he is exposing himself to on Friday, July 7, by verifying the delivery of cluster munitions to Ukraine. The new announcement is part of an $800 million (€729 million) aid package that brings to $41 billion (€37.4 billion) US aid since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
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Franceinfo reverts to this contribution “victory” for Volodymyr Zelensky, but criticized by NGOs who fear long-term collateral damage.
1What are the specifications of these weapons?
So-called cluster munitions disperse or release small charges designed to detonate before or after impact. According to A UN Report (PDF document)They can be released “Hundreds”too “Thousands”. As stated therein The Pentagon says they can penetrate armor and be used against ground forces. “Clearly useful for all types of offensive operations”. They also hide “Wide Circumference” And “For example, targeting an artillery battery, which is now fired and repositioned”Stephen Adrant, a consultant at International Risks, promises on Twitter.
The advantage of a salvo of rockets or cluster munitions is that they “treat” a large radius, which makes it possible to hit a target, for example, an artillery battery that is now fired and repositions itself. General location by radar may be sufficient for good targeting10/
— Stephen Audrand (@AudrandS) July 8, 2023
According to The The Washington Post The US supplied 155 mm cannon, the M864, has been in service since 1987. Each of its bombs “Carries 72 rounds of ammunition: 48 M42 anti-personnel grenades and 24 M46 hollow-charge anti-material rounds”, explains Stephen Adrant. The bombs have a range of 29 kilometers, according to details in the US newspaper.
2Why did the US choose to give it to Ukraine?
By Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s own admission, Ukraine does not have enough ammunition to mount a slow-moving counteroffensive. Washington believes these weapons represent “The Right Thing” Given recent developments on the ground. “ Ukrainian offensive struggles with Russian artillery and precision munitions (Excalibur, BONUS), GLSTP [un autre projectile de précision] “Other smart munitions are becoming scarce.”Creates Stéphane Audrand, always on Twitter.
“If our weapons production, especially precision bombs, were sufficient to supply Ukraine, the Americans would not have to supply these bombs.”
Stephen Adrant, International Risk Consultantson Twitter
These cluster munitions are also supposed to cover Ukrainian shortages against Russian weapons. In 2006, A Senate Information Report French He explained that “ Neutralizing armored targets seems to be one of the preferred uses of cluster munitions.” , like the Cold War. It would be equal to take it away “Fight with one hand behind your back”Defense consultant Xavier Tiedelman explains in the columns of Parisian.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the White House made the decision “Consensus Recommendation” of his administration. There is a “With insufficient artillery in Ukraine, Russian troops and tanks are at massive risk to civilians if they smash into Ukrainian positions and recapture more territory.” To defend himself, he insisted.
3Why are these weapons criticized?
As of August 1, 2010, these weapons have been banned in 108 countries, including France. The Oslo Convention prohibits their transfer and use. Neither the US, Ukraine nor Russia are among the signatories, however, which explains US aid and its use in the conflict. Joe Biden, aware of the stake, said he took his time “before confirmation” To make this delivery.
NGOs fear collateral damage to civilians. there American decision “ “It is a step backwards that undermines the substantial progress made by the international community in its efforts to protect civilians from such dangers during and after armed conflict.”, Thus condemns Amnesty International. For this system, Biden administration “Any decision to allow greater use of these cluster bombs in this war will have one clear consequence: more civilian deaths.” Up to 40% of submunitions do not detonate on impact, falling on their side Handicap InternationalWho believes that “97% identified victims” Civil “36% of which are children”.
In an attempt to appease critics, Joe Biden assured that the Ukrainians had made guarantees “in writing” They should reduce their use of these weapons “Risks to the Public”. Because the usage of these cluster munitions is with a ratio “missed” : Some ammunition “ Don’t explode or crash after a while [et] Contribute to the planting of dangerous explosives”Details about Stéphane Audrand Twitter. Thursday, Pentagon spokesman The US made it clear that it was considering Ammunition should be provided “Does not include older types with a false rate greater than 2.35%”reports the world.
4How is Ukraine reacting?
When these deliveries were announced, Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude “To the American People and President Joseph Biden”. This new help “[rapproche] Ukraine from Victory over Enemy and Democracy from Victory over Dictatorship” And “Give us new tools to occupy our land and move closer to peace”He said on Twitter.
A timely, broad and much-needed package of security assistance from the United States. We are grateful to the American people and to President Joseph Biden @POTUS For decisive actions that bring Ukraine closer to victory over the enemy and democracy over dictatorship. Expansion…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy (@ZelenskyyUa) July 7, 2023
Always Twitter, Oleksii Reznikov, the Ukrainian defense minister, tried to address concerns. he recalled” Under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Ukraine has an internationally recognized universal right of self-defense” And kyiv will continue “Strictly respect all international humanitarian conventions signed and ratified by Ukraine”. To liberate the country, we need the Ukrainian army “Inflicting Losses on Enemies”He reasoned.
“It’s in our best interest to save the lives of our soldiers, and that’s why we’ll continue to do so using all the most lethal weapons at our disposal.”
Oleksiy Reznikov, Minister of Defense of Ukraineon Twitter
Ukraine uses these weapons in accordance with five main principles: use only for the liberation of occupied territories and ” Not in the officially recognized territory of Russia” ; Use outside urban areas, however “In areas of Russian military concentration” in order to reduce risks for Ukrainian soldiers; A catch “ A strict record of the use of these weapons and the areas where they are used” ; Establishing a classification of areas based on priority for demining during the country’s liberation, and ultimately reporting to partners on the use of these weapons. Ukraine.
5What was the reaction of America’s allies?
The US President confirmed that the decision had been previously discussed with allies and the US Congress. But on the other side of the Atlantic, the announcement is causing some consternation. In Berlin, a spokesman for the German government said to himself on Friday, “Our American friends certainly did not take the decision to supply the munitions in question lightly.”. Understood, Paris reiterated that it respects commitments to prevent the proliferation of these weapons. “Arbitration reached by US to help Ukraine train self-defense against illegal aggression unleashed by Russia”.
For his part, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg noted that Russia and Ukraine are using these weapons, but Moscow is using them. “In its brutal war against Ukraine, Ukraine is using it to defend itself”. “We feel that this will in no way affect the strong unity between the allies.”US National Security Adviser Jack Sullivan said the world . However, coincidental or not, at the same time the United States announced the destruction of its last chemical weapons, it called on Russia (and Syria) to recognize and destroy their undeclared programs. The US has until September 30 to do so after signing the convention. These weapons were banned in 1997.
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